Early Learning through Play

Library Programming for Diverse Communities

Kristin Grabarek, Mary R. Lanni

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Year: 2019
• eBook ISBN: 9798216076780
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Languages & Linguistics
• Subtopic: Early Childhood Education
• Index: Languages & Linguistics

This creative guidebook teaches librarians in diverse communities how to develop and implement early learning programming beyond traditional storytimes. While traditional library storytimes are excellent tools for families, equally important is play. Children learn through play in many ways; it stimulates exploration and curiosity and builds gross and fine motor skills that are critical to reading and writing success. Perhaps most importantly, play has the power to cross barriers of culture and language, allowing families from differing backgrounds to learn together. In this book, Kristin Grabarek and Mary R. Lanni—the pioneers of Little University, an early learning program that focuses on play-based learning—share their experiences and provide guidance for implementing similar programs at libraries of various sizes and budgets. They teach readers how to create programs for a diverse group of families, work with outside providers, choose supplies, estimate costs, market your programming, and overcome the challenges of both big and small budgets and many or few patrons. These practical plans will enhance storytimes and even help build a brand-new early learning program.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• ONE Introduction
• TWO Creating an Early Learning Program Series
• THREE Implementing the Program Series with a Budget
• FOUR Early Learning Programs for Tiny or Nonexistent Budgets
• FIVE Conclusion
• Appendix A: Elevator Speeches
• Appendix B: Need to DIY? Twenty Titles to Build an Early Learning Program Series Reference Collection
• Appendix C: Program Flyer Template
• Bibliography
• Index